lawmakers

West Virginia Lawmakers Propose Controversial Bill to Criminalize Libraries for Obscene Material

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Charleston, West Virginia – Lawmakers in West Virginia are mulling over a controversial proposal that would subject public and school libraries to felony charges for displaying or distributing materials deemed obscene. However, librarians are pushing back, questioning the feasibility of implementing such a policy and the potential consequences for their profession and the community. The state’s existing obscenity laws already carry significant penalties, including fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. On Wednesday, the House of Delegates chamber will host a public hearing on House Bill 4654, which aims to eliminate … Read more

Russian Lawmakers Propose Confiscating Assets of Those Spreading False Information about Armed Forces

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Moscow – Russian lawmakers are drafting a bill that would permit the seizure of assets from individuals spreading what they deem as “deliberately false information” about the country’s armed forces. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, stated that this legislation would also encompass acts of betrayal such as discrediting the armed forces, advocating for sanctions against Russia, or inciting extremist activities. In a post on Telegram, Volodin asserted that those who attempt to undermine or betray Russia must face appropriate punishment and compensate for the harm inflicted on the nation by forfeiting their … Read more

Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management Urges Lawmakers to Revamp Marijuana Laws for Faster Business Launch and Social Equity Support

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Bloomington, Minnesota – The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has urged state lawmakers to make adjustments to marijuana laws during this legislative session to expedite the establishment of cannabis businesses. In their initial report to the Legislature, the agency proposed various specific changes, one of which includes implementing a temporary license system, with a particular focus on aiding social equity applicants. These applicants are individuals who have been impacted by past criminal enforcement of marijuana laws, either directly or indirectly. The report emphasizes that implementing a temporary license system would not only speed up the … Read more

NJ Governor Approves Pay Raises for Judges, Lawmakers, and Legislative Staff in New Legislation

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Trenton, New Jersey – Governor Phil Murphy has signed nearly 80 bills into law during the final hour of New Jersey’s 2022-23 legislative session. One of the bills approved by Murphy provides pay raises to judges, legislative staff, and lawmakers. Additionally, the bill increases allowances given to legislators to cover their staff salaries. Starting in 2026, members of the Legislature will see their annual salary increase from $49,000 to $82,000. This raise marks the first increase since 2002 for New Jersey legislators who are considered part-time. The allowance they receive to pay their staffs will … Read more